By
Laura Hyde |
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will hold its State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Georgetown in Guyana from 5-9 October 2026. The theme for the 2026 edition is ‘Tourism futures: smart, sustainable and inclusive’.
Hundreds of Caribbean tourism leaders, international delegates, policymakers, youth representatives, journalists and industry stakeholders are expected to attend this year’s event, which aims to examine critical issues, share innovation and shape the future direction of Caribbean tourism. The event programme includes one-to-one meetings, networking and social gatherings, and discussion panels, including ‘Cruise master class: maximising destination value through cruise tourism’ on 5 October.
“This conference is CTO’s premier gathering for Caribbean tourism leaders and attracts hundreds of regional and international delegates, positioning Guyana as a major player in the development of MICE tourism, a specialised, high-value segment of business travel focused on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions,” said Susan Rodrigues, Guyana’s minister of tourism, industry and commerce.
The CTO will introduce the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum as part of the 2026 SOTIC to create a dedicated platform to advance research, innovation and evidence-based decision-making across the region’s tourism sector. The three-hour forum will take place on 6 October and aims to bring academics, researchers, tourism practitioners, destination representatives, development partners, students and other interested delegates together to share findings and explore practical solutions to the Caribbean’s most pressing tourism challenges.
“The Caribbean Tourism Research Forum reflects CTO’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Caribbean tourism is informed by credible research, regional collaboration and practical application,” said Aliyyah Shakeer, director of research at CTO. “By creating stronger connections between researchers, policymakers and industry leaders, we can better equip our destinations to make informed decisions that support a smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive tourism industry.”
Guyana is a first-time host of the SOTIC; it was selected due to its “rapid emergence” as a tourism destination, supported by investments in infrastructure, sustainability and cultural offerings.
“This event positions Guyana to showcase its unique blend of ecotourism, adventure, cultural heritage and business facilities to a global audience, further elevating its profile within the Caribbean and beyond,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary-general and CEO of CTO.
To find out more about the event, visit the dedicated website.